Top Five Federal Job Seeker Mistakes

#1: QUALIFYING FOR JOBS:  Federal applications must convey that the applicant already has the skills required to do the job. Many people apply jobs for which they could easily do, but for which they do not already possess the specific skills.

#2: FEDERAL RESUME:  The average Federal resume is 3 to 5 pages, as opposed to a 1 to 2 page private sector resume.  Additionally, Federal resumes need to be extremely detailed.  A Federal resume details your skills and competencies, whereas a private sector resume focuses on results and accomplishments.  Most applicant packages touch on accomplishments and do not include the “nitty gritty” details that get you more points.

#3: KSAs / ESSAYS IN THE RESUME: With Hiring Reform, the HR Specialists are looking for the KSAs to be incorporated into the resume.  Look under the “Qualifications and Evaluations” tab and find the “Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities” or “KSAs.”  Since Hiring Reform changes were scheduled to take affect on November 1, 2010, most Agencies no longer require you to write narrative essays the initial time you apply to a job.  However, it is 100% your responsibility to make sure you possess them and that they are incorporated into your resume. Otherwise, you will not be deemed qualified for the positions, not because you don’t have the skills but because you didn’t tell them you have the skills in your resume by incorporating the KSAs in your resume. 

#4: IDENTIFYING THE BEST JOBS FOR YOU:  Use a technique we call the “80% Rule.”  Carefully review the vacancy announcement language, particularly under the “Duties” tab.  Look for an 80% match between the duties listed and your skills. This is a great technique to use to determine if the vacancy announcement is a good fit for you.

#5: ANSWERING THE ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS: Carefully read the assessment questions.  See if you can answer the majority of them at the expert or the highest level.  If you can’t, you should probably look at other vacancy announcements.

For more information on transforming your background into a magnificent Federal resume that attracts the attention of HR, visit us on the web at www.FederalJobResults.com.